Boy, 8, with rare genetic condition launches 2,500km relay race across the UK

An eight-year-old boy has become the first child to pass the baton from the start line in Glasgow to kickstart the Relay Your Way race.

Wolfe Gorton boarded a unique fibreglass boat at Pinkston Water sports Centre accompanied by safety swimmers before passing the baton to paddleboarders, and then on to the shore where it began its journey through Scotland, England, and Wales, finishing up in Windsor.

Wolfe, one of 9,000 young people taking part in the relay race, has cerebral palsy and Prader-Willi Syndrome, a rare genetic syndrome that causes decreased muscle tone and some delayed milestones.

Cerebra, the charity organising the race said that the relay has been designed to promote inclusivity in sports, with wheelchair users, adapted surfers, and frame runners all taking part.

“All children should have the right to put themselves in a challenging situation to enjoy adventures and enjoy sports,” said Jess Camburn-Rahmani, CEO at Cerebra.

“Every child needs to discover what brings them joy- so many times children are told its too risky or not made for them if they have a disability and we don’t think that’s fair or right,” she added.

The relay has been designed to promote inclusivity in sports, with wheelchair users, adapted surfers, and frame runners all taking part. STV News

Over 33 days the baton will journey 2,500km through towns and cities, bringing together thousands of people in a celebration of accessibility, adventure and inclusion.

Wolfe’s mother Emily Gorton said: “Wolfe is really excited to go on what he will call a pirate boat, because he’s obsessed with them.

“There needs to be a lot more awareness and thought put into how to make sport truly inclusive.’’

Disability rights advocate and sportswoman, Dr Julie McElroy, was also in attendance.

She said: “Sport has helped me grow physically, mentally, and emotionally.

“That’s why Relay Your Way is so powerful – it isn’t just a relay, it’s an action statement.

“It celebrates the 1.5 million young people in the UK with disabilities and reminds the world that every child deserves the chance to play, move, and thrive.”

The Relay Your Way baton was designed by the Cerebra Innovation Centre to be easily carried by wheelchair users, adapted surfers, and frame runners and will be passed between participants over 301 stages to the finish line at Parallel Festival of Inclusivity in Windsor on July 6.